A lot of us like the look of a tan, sun-kissed glow. The contrast can make other features look brighter and boost our confidence. However, soaking up the sun by the pool or lying in a tanning bed isn’t just risky for your skin it can actually work against your long-term health and skin care goals.
Of course, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing is the best way to shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But, what if you still want that bronzed look? Is it possible to get a tan without inviting issues like premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer?
That’s exactly what we’re exploring today. You’ll be happy to know there are some safe (or safer) ways to get a tan without botching your beauty goals.
Does Sunscreen Prevent Tanning?
So, we know we all need to wear sunscreen. (Yes, you even need to wear sunscreen in the shade and indoors.) We’re so passionate about it that our founder, Lauryn Bosstick, wrote the book Get the F*** Out of the Sun (and hosted the podcast with the same name.) But, that begs the question . . . can you wear sunscreen and still get a tan? Or, will sunscreen ruin your chances of rocking that sun-kissed glow this summer? We’ll get into that below.
How Does Sunscreen Work?
Sunscreens protect your skin in different ways depending on the type. There are two main types: chemical and mineral sunscreens. Both can be broad spectrum sunscreens, meaning they protect against both UVA and UVB rays, but they work in different ways.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation via organic compounds that release the UV light as heat rather than letting it sink deeper into the skin, causing sunburn, tanning, and premature aging. Because it takes a while for your skin to absorb chemical sunscreen, it needs about 15-20 minutes before it’s effective.
Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, create a physical barrier that reflects and scatters the UV radiation. So, mineral sunscreen prevents the sun from penetrating your skin at all that means it works right away to provide immediate protection.
We prefer mineral sunscreens because the chemicals in chemical sunscreen get into your bloodstream and are toxic. Some people don’t love mineral sunscreens because they can leave a white cast, however, mineral sunscreen like The Skinny Confidential’s Caffeinated Sunscreen has a light tint using natural ingredients to ensure there’s no ashy application. That makes it the obvious choice for your sunscreen needs.
If you need more information about using sunscreen in your beauty and self-care routine, check out these posts:
What Happens To Your Skin When You Tan?
UVA and UVB rays penetrate your skin.
First, UVA and UVB rays penetrate your skin. UVB rays usually only affect the outer layers of skin and are usually to blame for sunburns. UVA rays, though, penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for giving you a tan (and causing a lot of sun damage.)
The rays damage your skin cells and DNA.
Once the sun’s UV rays penetrate the skin, they damage skin cells and alter DNA. This radiation can kill cells, weaken the skin’s overall structure, and trigger genetic mutations that can actually lead to cancer.
Your body produces melanin to protect from further damage.
Once your body realizes it's taking damage from sun exposure, cells in the epidermis skin layer produce more melanin. It does this to protect your skin from more damage (because melanin absorbs more UV radiation, preventing it from causing as much damage.) The melanin rises to the surface, giving you a tan.
Your immune system increases blood flow to that area.
The dead skin cells trigger inflammation from the immune system, causing sunburn. Even if there aren’t enough dead skin cells to cause a full sunburn, the immune system will still respond to the injured skin by increasing blood flow to that area, causing redness, heat, and swelling.
The damage causes premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and increased cancer risk.
Long-term, tanning can cause collagen breakdown, which leads to wrinkles, sagging, age spots, and other premature signs of aging. Tanning can also lead to hyperpigmentation and increase your risk of getting skin cancer.
Can You Tan With Sunscreen?
Here’s the thing, applying sunscreen doesn’t block 100% of UV rays. For example, sunscreen that’s SPF 40, like our Caffeinated Sunscreen, only blocks 97.5% of UVB rays. This means that the other 2.5% can still cause melanin production, AKA a tan. So, yes, you can still get a tan while wearing sunscreen, but make no mistake, any “tan” is actually evidence of an injury and sun damage!
What Is The Safest Way To Tan?
Safer: Tanning With Sunscreen
As we explained, tanning with sunscreen is safer, but it’s definitely still not the safest option. In our opinion, the goal should never be to damage your skin in favor of a sun-kissed glow. There are other ways to get that effect without the risk.
Safest: Self-Tanning Products
Self-tanning products like lotions, mousses, sprays, or drops are made with an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). It safely reacts with the top layer of your skin to create a temporary bronze color without cell damage, premature aging, or an increased risk of skin cancer.
Safest: Tinted, Caffeinated Sunscreen
The best way to get a safe, sun-kissed look? Tinted caffeinated sunscreen. Unlike self-tanners, tinted sunscreen gives you a natural glow while also protecting you from the sun’s UV rays. Our Caffeinated Sunscreen is a tinted mineral sunscreen with SPF 40 broad spectrum protection but it’s more than just a standard sunscreen.
First of all, our sunscreen has caffeine, which when applied topically, lifts, tightens, and firms skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and puffiness. Caffeine is also an antioxidant, so it further helps protect your skin from UV damage. Beyond that, our Caffeinated Sunscreen is full of nourishing natural ingredients that help even your skin tone, soothe irritation, moisturize your skin, prevent blue light damage, and give you that glowy, dewy look we’re all striving for.
There’s no better way to get a perfect, safe tan. For added benefits, apply our Caffeinated Sunscreen to your face using our Mint Roller. Trust us you’ll thank us later.
Get your bronzy look without the damage with The Skinny Confidential’s Caffeinated Sunscreen.
Bottom line? Sunscreen might reduce how much you tan, but that’s kind of the point it protects your skin. Luckily, with The Skinny Confidential’s Caffeinated Sunscreen, you don’t have to choose between glowing and being safe.
You get that bronzy, lit-from-within look without frying your face. Healthy skin, dewy glow, zero regrets.
